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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I am old and in poor health. Does the Bible address growing old? -- A.A.

A: While the Bible doesn't gloss over the problems we face as we grow older, neither does it paint old age as a time to be despised or a burden to be endured with gritted teeth. Nor does it picture us in our latter years as useless and ineffective, condemned to spend our last days in endless boredom or meaningless activity until God finally takes us home.

Instead the Bible says that God has a reason for keeping us here; if He didn't, He would take us to Heaven far sooner. But what is His purpose for these years, and how can we align our lives with it? How can we learn to cope with the fears and struggles and growing limitations and still maintain inner strength in the midst of these difficulties? How can we face the future with hope instead of despair?

These are some of the questions we face as we grow older. The Bible is not written just for old people. It is written for people at every stage of life -- even those who never think about growing old. Old age is inevitable for those who live full lives.

The best way to prepare for the senior years, and live those years with purpose, is to keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who find themselves in senior living homes can still make Christ the center of life, by reading His Word that will lead us to seeing life from God's point of view. This is what strengthens us in difficulties and sustains us day by day. "He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength" (Isaiah 40:29).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2019 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.